Pigeons are very smart birds and have all kinds of interesting traits. They have managed to adapt amazingly well to human habitats, and you can find them in most large cities where food is abundant.
The pigeon might have learned to adapt too well to human settlements though. Their population can boom, and then they can become a real problem. This article will go over some of the common problems that pigeons cause.
Feces
Excessive pooping on property is a major problem caused by pigeons. Pigeons can gather in large flocks on rooftops, power lines and window sills leaving a large quantity of feces behind. Once large amounts of feces has accumulated it is very unsightly and causes a very strong odor. When the pigeon feces are present on walkways it can cause slips and falls and create a liability to home and business owners.
Disease and Parasites
Pigeons carry ectoparasites such as bed bugs, chicken mites and yellow mealworms in addition to disease. These ectoparasites can work their way inside buildings and come in contact with humans. Some of the many diseases that they can transmit through their feces include: salmonella, encephalitis, meningitis, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.
Overpopulation
Pigeon overpopulation in an area can be a real problem, often caused by an easy source of shelter and food. People feeding pigeons daily, as well as litter and trash bins full of easily accessible food, will bring pigeons back again and again creating a cyclical problem.
Corrosion
The uric acid found in pigeon feces is very corrosive and can cause severe damage to rooftops and air conditioning equipment. Paint can actually be eaten away from this acid unless it is removed from the surface. Over time the clean-up and repair to roofs and equipment can become quite costly.
Gutter Clogging
Pigeons will gather on roof ledges and gutters to nest. Then their feathers, feces, and nesting material can plug up the gutters. This will result is improper drainage, and water can end up flowing over the side of the house. This can cause basement flooding, growth of mold, and lawn destruction. The gutters will have to be cleaned out regularly to avoid these potentially costly problems.
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